AYSE ELDEK-RICHARDSON THE FOUNDER/ ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:
Ayse ( i-shea) Eldek was born and raised in Turkey. She came to USA in 1997 to pursue acting. She attended Harvard Extension Drama in Boston. Then met legendary Uta Hagen and with her suggestion she continued her studies at HB Studio. She was a resident actor at the Flea Theater which was founded by Sigourney Weaver and Jim Simpson.
Her film and TV works include "BULL", " The American Assassin", "INFERNO", Marvel's "The Defenders", " Blacklist", "The Ottoman Lieutenant", "David Letterman Show", "What Would You Do?, "Sex and The City", "Damages", "Rescue Me", "The Book Of Truth and Book Of Lies" ( which she received best comedic actress award) , "Oh Boy" (written by Ayse Eldek which was in Cannes 2008 Short Film Corner). She was a co-star in a multiple award winning film “David”. She recently finished three international voice over projects and two independent films. She is in the voice over cast of Caillou in Turkish for the past 4 years playing multiple main characters.
Her theater credits include "Cellophane" by Mac Wellman directed by Jim Simpson, "O Jerusalem" by A.R. Gurney directed by Jim Simpson, "Oh Boy " by Ayse Eldek directed by Trudy Steibl, "To Love..."by Ayse Eldek directed by Zishan Ugurlu.
She also directed “New Yorkers” in 2011 and “The Introduction” in 2012 by multiple award winning writer Emre Ozpirincci, “Bellini and Sultan” reading in 2012 by Kennedy Award winning writer Ed Stevens recently in 2017 Tuncer Cucenoglu's " Matrushka" at the West End Theatre. She is working on a new play " The Diner" with two award winning writers Bara Swain and Anne Connolly. Her next project for TARTE is the new women's show written by 7 female writers of different backgrounds. She recently wrote "Daughters of Anatolia" with 5 others playwrights.
She is a black belt in Martial Arts.
Please visit her official page:
www.ayseeldek.com
Ayse ( i-shea) Eldek was born and raised in Turkey. She came to USA in 1997 to pursue acting. She attended Harvard Extension Drama in Boston. Then met legendary Uta Hagen and with her suggestion she continued her studies at HB Studio. She was a resident actor at the Flea Theater which was founded by Sigourney Weaver and Jim Simpson.
Her film and TV works include "BULL", " The American Assassin", "INFERNO", Marvel's "The Defenders", " Blacklist", "The Ottoman Lieutenant", "David Letterman Show", "What Would You Do?, "Sex and The City", "Damages", "Rescue Me", "The Book Of Truth and Book Of Lies" ( which she received best comedic actress award) , "Oh Boy" (written by Ayse Eldek which was in Cannes 2008 Short Film Corner). She was a co-star in a multiple award winning film “David”. She recently finished three international voice over projects and two independent films. She is in the voice over cast of Caillou in Turkish for the past 4 years playing multiple main characters.
Her theater credits include "Cellophane" by Mac Wellman directed by Jim Simpson, "O Jerusalem" by A.R. Gurney directed by Jim Simpson, "Oh Boy " by Ayse Eldek directed by Trudy Steibl, "To Love..."by Ayse Eldek directed by Zishan Ugurlu.
She also directed “New Yorkers” in 2011 and “The Introduction” in 2012 by multiple award winning writer Emre Ozpirincci, “Bellini and Sultan” reading in 2012 by Kennedy Award winning writer Ed Stevens recently in 2017 Tuncer Cucenoglu's " Matrushka" at the West End Theatre. She is working on a new play " The Diner" with two award winning writers Bara Swain and Anne Connolly. Her next project for TARTE is the new women's show written by 7 female writers of different backgrounds. She recently wrote "Daughters of Anatolia" with 5 others playwrights.
She is a black belt in Martial Arts.
Please visit her official page:
www.ayseeldek.com
FERYAL KILISLI Resident Performer/AD NY
Feryal Kilisli is New York based Turkish-American actress who has appeared in numerous stage productions and short films both in Turkey and USA.
After working in medical field alongside acting for years, she took a huge step and moved to USA to take her acting experience in to further level.
She has completed her acting training at NY’s one of the best acting schools Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and recently took musical theatre workshops at London City Academy in UK.
Her latest credits includes " Angels in America: Perestroika " (Stella Adler Studio of Acting), “Between Fire and Smoke” (Signature Theatre) , “Sindbad LAB: More Wonder Please” (Target Margin Theatre), Precious Metals (NYTheatreFestival), “The Legend of Ali” (Broadway) and award winning short film "Asri” .
Feryal Kilisli is New York based Turkish-American actress who has appeared in numerous stage productions and short films both in Turkey and USA.
After working in medical field alongside acting for years, she took a huge step and moved to USA to take her acting experience in to further level.
She has completed her acting training at NY’s one of the best acting schools Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and recently took musical theatre workshops at London City Academy in UK.
Her latest credits includes " Angels in America: Perestroika " (Stella Adler Studio of Acting), “Between Fire and Smoke” (Signature Theatre) , “Sindbad LAB: More Wonder Please” (Target Margin Theatre), Precious Metals (NYTheatreFestival), “The Legend of Ali” (Broadway) and award winning short film "Asri” .
NAZLI BENAN OZKAYA Assistant Director/Actress TR
Nazlı Benan Özkaya is a Turkish actress born and raised in Denizli, began her theatrical journey at the age of 11, participating in both English and Turkish plays. Graduating in Theatre Acting from Ankara University in 2010, she performed in pioneering physical theater productions and engaged in refugee-focused events while cycling across the Middle East. After working as a director’s assistant at the State Theatres of Ankara, she transitioned into acting, later moving to New York in 2011 to attend workshops with Eric Morris, Anthony Vincent Bova, and Anna Ivara, and taking classes at HB Studio. During her time in New York, she performed in TARTE’s one-act play festival and the pre-production process of ‘‘Bellini and The Sultan.’’
Between 2013 and 2020, Özkaya acted in various projects at Istanbul State Theatre, TOY Istanbul, and Theatre Deng-u Bej, as well as in commercials, short films, and music videos. Concurrently, she provided private acting instruction and coached actors in Turkey and Qatar. By 2020, she completed her Master's degree in Film & TV at Bahcesehir University, where she also taught Acting for Camera and Directing the Actor classes, exploring video performance through remote directing and leading joint projects with TARTE.
Between 2021 and 2023, while pursuing her PhD in Cinema and Media Research at Bahcesehir University, Özkaya joined Izmir Municipality City Theatres (IzBBST) as an actress, serving as a board member and working as a director’s assistant in plays directed by Yücel Erten. Notably, she was awarded the Best Comedy Actress by Yeni Tiyatro Dergisi for her role in "Mor Salvar" at IzBBST. In 2023, she participated in various projects like the short play authored by herself for TARTE’s project "We the Woman." she was awarded the Best Comedy Actress by Yeni Tiyatro Dergisi for her role in "Mor Salvar" at IzBBST. In 2023, she participated in various projects like the short play authored by herself for TARTE’s project ‘‘We The Woman’’.
Currently, Özkaya focuses on her PhD thesis and works as the Education Coordinator at İzmir BKM Mutfak Atolye, remaining actively involved in TARTE projects while continuing her acting caree at IzBBST and various cinema projects.
NAZLI BENAN OZKAYA Assistant Director/Actress TR
Nazlı Benan Özkaya is a Turkish actress born and raised in Denizli, began her theatrical journey at the age of 11, participating in both English and Turkish plays. Graduating in Theatre Acting from Ankara University in 2010, she performed in pioneering physical theater productions and engaged in refugee-focused events while cycling across the Middle East. After working as a director’s assistant at the State Theatres of Ankara, she transitioned into acting, later moving to New York in 2011 to attend workshops with Eric Morris, Anthony Vincent Bova, and Anna Ivara, and taking classes at HB Studio. During her time in New York, she performed in TARTE’s one-act play festival and the pre-production process of ‘‘Bellini and The Sultan.’’
Between 2013 and 2020, Özkaya acted in various projects at Istanbul State Theatre, TOY Istanbul, and Theatre Deng-u Bej, as well as in commercials, short films, and music videos. Concurrently, she provided private acting instruction and coached actors in Turkey and Qatar. By 2020, she completed her Master's degree in Film & TV at Bahcesehir University, where she also taught Acting for Camera and Directing the Actor classes, exploring video performance through remote directing and leading joint projects with TARTE.
Between 2021 and 2023, while pursuing her PhD in Cinema and Media Research at Bahcesehir University, Özkaya joined Izmir Municipality City Theatres (IzBBST) as an actress, serving as a board member and working as a director’s assistant in plays directed by Yücel Erten. Notably, she was awarded the Best Comedy Actress by Yeni Tiyatro Dergisi for her role in "Mor Salvar" at IzBBST. In 2023, she participated in various projects like the short play authored by herself for TARTE’s project "We the Woman." she was awarded the Best Comedy Actress by Yeni Tiyatro Dergisi for her role in "Mor Salvar" at IzBBST. In 2023, she participated in various projects like the short play authored by herself for TARTE’s project ‘‘We The Woman’’.
Currently, Özkaya focuses on her PhD thesis and works as the Education Coordinator at İzmir BKM Mutfak Atolye, remaining actively involved in TARTE projects while continuing her acting caree at IzBBST and various cinema projects.
DUYGU MONSON Dramaturgy/Writer/Actress
After graduating from one of the most prestigious conservatoires in Turkey, Mimar Sinan, Duygu worked with Compagnie de Théâtre de Danse Alternative Parisienne in Paris. After a two-year residency, she had the honor of working with Pina Bausch as an intern. After returning to Turkey, she worked as lead actor in Istanbul’s Municipal Theater and Turkey’s first feminist theater company, Theater Painted Bird. In 2007 she moved to New York City and acted in off-Broadway and Broadway productions for two years. She moved to Seattle in order to complete her PhD at the University of Washington. She currently works as a director and actor in Seattle and is a professor of film and theater at Shoreline Community College.
After graduating from one of the most prestigious conservatoires in Turkey, Mimar Sinan, Duygu worked with Compagnie de Théâtre de Danse Alternative Parisienne in Paris. After a two-year residency, she had the honor of working with Pina Bausch as an intern. After returning to Turkey, she worked as lead actor in Istanbul’s Municipal Theater and Turkey’s first feminist theater company, Theater Painted Bird. In 2007 she moved to New York City and acted in off-Broadway and Broadway productions for two years. She moved to Seattle in order to complete her PhD at the University of Washington. She currently works as a director and actor in Seattle and is a professor of film and theater at Shoreline Community College.
AYSE ALAGOZ Resident Writer
Ayşe, who took attention when she began to speak at five-and-half month-old, has continued her life as a child, who has made surprises to her family all the time. After her very mischievous studentship years in Bursa, her chemistry adventure at Istanbul University Engineering Faculty has been embellished with various contemporary legends. Ayşe Alagöz, who has worked for long years in the field of hospital management upon the educations that she has taken at Hacettepe University and New York Medical Center, is one of the founders of Bursa Health Tourism Association at the same time.
She has contributed to media world, into which she has stepped with Tempo magazine, by working in public relations, by being a correspondent, text writer, radio programmer, television publisher, column writer, magazine editor respectively. Ayşe, who moved to New York in 2005, lived seven years in this city, which she fell in love with. She has been living with different cultures, different languages and different colors after New York came into her life. The fixed tip of compass of Ayşe, who describes herself as a city-lover traveler and a planned adventurer, is strictly staying at Bursa. On the other hand, its other leg is making a huge circle over the world. Her goal is to read people, communities and even the world as a book. She has already an uninterruptedly continuing relationship with paper and pencil from the time she learned to read. She is still writing at New York Turkish Life News and Lodos News.
She wrote a theatre play for the first time in order to be a light to the future of Nihal, who lives in the dark. She put on this project because of her team mates, her family, Hasvak and Nilüfer Municipality. In 2017, her first story book titled “Man’s Atlas” will meet with the readers. Ayşe Alagöz is recently working for the musical comedy named Gülbahar that she wrote herself and she is playing herself under the sponsorship of Pink Traces Association. The theatre play, the income of which shall be transferred to women having cancer, will be put on this year in Bursa and Istanbul.
EZGI COHEN Resident Performer/Writer
A Turkish native and an actor for over 10 years, Ezgi is a Stella Adler Studio of NY alumnus. She has a BA in English and attended Improv I, II and III at the UCB Theatre in New York City. She has worked as a director, producer and an actor in both American and Turkish plays, short films in NYC and Seattle. She has acted in several TV and film works in Istanbul. She also passed on her Adler technique knowledge to other Turkish actors and worked as an acting coach in films and theatres in Istanbul. She is now back to NYC and pursuing her lifelong love and commitment for acting.
A Turkish native and an actor for over 10 years, Ezgi is a Stella Adler Studio of NY alumnus. She has a BA in English and attended Improv I, II and III at the UCB Theatre in New York City. She has worked as a director, producer and an actor in both American and Turkish plays, short films in NYC and Seattle. She has acted in several TV and film works in Istanbul. She also passed on her Adler technique knowledge to other Turkish actors and worked as an acting coach in films and theatres in Istanbul. She is now back to NYC and pursuing her lifelong love and commitment for acting.
ARTEMIS ZARA GULTEKIN Production Assistant/ Writer/ Performer
Artemis Zara Gültekin is an actor, theatremaker, singer, violinist, and an overall lover of the stage and telling stories. Originally from Ankara, Turkey, she came to New York to study Drama at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, from where she recently graduated! At NYU, she studied at the Playwrights Horizons Theatre School, Stonestreet Studios, and The Classical Studio. In her free time, she is probably just getting lost in other fictional worlds, jamming to K-pop songs or fooling around with a microphone and Logic Pro. Past credits: The Winter's Tale (The Classical Studio @NYU), Ghost Quartet (PHTS), Tales from the Other Country (PHTS), Only Place I Belong (The Tank) IG: @arty_zara
CAGLA KARSLIOGLU Production Design
Cagla Karslioglu is a designer and director working in theater, film and fashion. She is currently developing a Turkish film called "She Has No Name" where she's the writer & director.
As a designer, her credits include an Off Broadway production of Dance Nation, GiGo commercial, music video for I Met You by Nathanie. As an assistant scenic, costume, lighting and puppet designer, her selected recent credits include Water by the Spoonful at the Juilliard School, Erismena (opera) at the Juilliard School, YSL Beauty Launch Party, H&M Flagship Store Opening, The Democracy Project at the Federal Hall. Cagla holds a BFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. www.caglakarslioglu.com ig @caglakarlovic www.shehasnoname.film
MINE OZYAVUZ Resident Actress
Mine Ozyavuz was born and raised in Turkey. She completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in acting in Turkey. She had cast in State theatres and some private theatres in Turkey. She also worked as a Drama teacher for children and adults . She also performed in Dance theatres and Puppet theatres for a long time.
She moved to the USA in 2017. She completed a few workshops at Stella Adler’s acting studio. She continues her acting journey in Usa.
Mine Ozyavuz was born and raised in Turkey. She completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in acting in Turkey. She had cast in State theatres and some private theatres in Turkey. She also worked as a Drama teacher for children and adults . She also performed in Dance theatres and Puppet theatres for a long time.
She moved to the USA in 2017. She completed a few workshops at Stella Adler’s acting studio. She continues her acting journey in Usa.
SEVIN CEVIKER Resident Choreographer
Sevin Ceviker was born in Istanbul, Turkey. Trained in classical ballet starting at an early age, and while still in conservatory she performed professionally at the Istanbul Opera House, appearing in Giselle, Nutcracker, La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty, and La Corsaire, to name a few. Since a young age, she has appeared in commercials and movies made in Turkey. At a dance workshop at the Royal Opera House, she received a young star award in Jazz, and received a summer scholarship to the Hannover Staats Ballet Dance School in Germany.Sevin’s emergence onto the New York dance scene began in 1997, when she received the opportunity to study at the Alvin Ailey School, and where she performed with Sharon Wong. At Marymount Manhattan College, from which she ultimately graduated, she was awarded the Excellence in performance, where she was honored to have worked with David Parsons, Christopher D’Amboise, Geoffrey Holder, Jim May, and Dunlin Foreman. After graduation, Sevin performed with several companies specializing in forms as diverse as Modern and Classical Chinese. These included, among many others, Jamie Bishton Dance, Tysan Dance Theater, Chinese Opera, Lybirant Dance, Oh Dear Dance, and Edgar Cortes Dance. In 2006, she joined the Martha Graham Dance Company, where she spent the next six years performing solo and chorus roles around the world. In Antonio Calenda’s Looking for Picasso, she played the lead. During this period, she was also the lead dancer in a Turkish musical, Hisseli Harikalar Kumpanyasi, produced on Broadway, During these years she also appeared in TV shows. Sevin has worked with Genesis Jones as her choreographer for some of her music videos and created an ensemble of 8 dancers and these works have been performed in the commercial world of dance. In 2014, she co-founded FJK Dance.
Sevin had been a choreographer for (TARTE) where she worked on Ayse Eldek’s “To Love...” , and “Bold Boy the Musical”. She has been working with Eglevsky Ballet under the direction of Maurice Brandon Curry since 2017, and appeared in Nutcracker and Cinderella as the Autumn fairy. She was casted as the lead in Red Shoes which premiered in 2019. She has also danced for Tabula Rasa Dance Theatre starting in 2018.
In 2018, she started working with the Broadway bound show “Esther the Musical” and in 2019 she became the dance captain for the developmental process and portrayed the role of “Queen Vashti” performing with “Dancing with the Stars” celebrities.
In 2019 shelved into acting more in focus and has appeared in music videos, films, and TV/Film and theater productions in supporting and lead roles.Since 2006, she has been a certified GYROTONIC® and GYROKNESIS® trainer.
GYROTONIC and GYROKINESIS are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with permission
BARA SWAIN Writer
Bara Swain’s plays, monologues and film adaptations have been performed in 120+ venues in 25 states and abroad (Australia, Canada, Ireland, UAE). NYC theatres include the Barrow Group, Urban Stages, Abingdon Theatre, Players Theatre, Symphony Space, Articulate Theatre, Sam French OOB Festival, Artistic New Directions, Project Y Theatre, Athena Theatre, NY Madness, Hudson Guild, Westside Theatre, Rising Sun, Ego Actus and T.A.R.T.E. Other venues include NJ Rep, Open Fist (CA), TheatreWorks (TN), Lyric Theatre (FL), New American Theatre (CA), Old Opera House (WV), Potluck Productions (MO), and OnStage Atlanta (GA), among others. Give and Take, Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, Critical Care, Prized Begonias and I Love Lucy are published in the Smith & Kraus Best Ten-Minute Plays anthologies. Critical Care, produced on stage and in film, is reprinted in the college textbook, Serious Daring: Creative Writing in Four Genres (Oxford U. Press) and serves as a key reading for the craft of writing dialogue. Recent productions include Extraordinary (NJ Rep); First Do No Harm (Duluth Playhouse, MN); I Love Lucy and Turn! Turn! Turn! (Tom Mann Theatre, Sydney), Responsible (Short+Sweet Dubai), Yearning for Peace (Articulate Theatre, NYC), The Wonder of You (Barn Theatre, NJ) andChoose (Theatre Workshop of Owensboro, KY). www.BaraSwain.com
Bara Swain’s plays, monologues and film adaptations have been performed in 120+ venues in 25 states and abroad (Australia, Canada, Ireland, UAE). NYC theatres include the Barrow Group, Urban Stages, Abingdon Theatre, Players Theatre, Symphony Space, Articulate Theatre, Sam French OOB Festival, Artistic New Directions, Project Y Theatre, Athena Theatre, NY Madness, Hudson Guild, Westside Theatre, Rising Sun, Ego Actus and T.A.R.T.E. Other venues include NJ Rep, Open Fist (CA), TheatreWorks (TN), Lyric Theatre (FL), New American Theatre (CA), Old Opera House (WV), Potluck Productions (MO), and OnStage Atlanta (GA), among others. Give and Take, Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, Critical Care, Prized Begonias and I Love Lucy are published in the Smith & Kraus Best Ten-Minute Plays anthologies. Critical Care, produced on stage and in film, is reprinted in the college textbook, Serious Daring: Creative Writing in Four Genres (Oxford U. Press) and serves as a key reading for the craft of writing dialogue. Recent productions include Extraordinary (NJ Rep); First Do No Harm (Duluth Playhouse, MN); I Love Lucy and Turn! Turn! Turn! (Tom Mann Theatre, Sydney), Responsible (Short+Sweet Dubai), Yearning for Peace (Articulate Theatre, NYC), The Wonder of You (Barn Theatre, NJ) andChoose (Theatre Workshop of Owensboro, KY). www.BaraSwain.com
ANNE CONNOLLY Writer/Actress/Director
Anne has enjoyed an ongoing, happy career as a theater artist. She started with the collaborative educational theater company, Good Clean Fun. With GCF from 1986 to 2004 she collaboratively wrote, directed and performed in dozens of one-act pieces about social issues facing students from 4 th grade through college, designed to prompt discussion. Anne also helped facilitate the 40-minute post-performance discussions.
Outside GCF, she has appeared in many productions in and around the NYC area’s Equity theaters in wonderful roles including Hippolyta/ Titania in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, Jessie Cates in “’Night Mother”, and Charlotte in “A Little Night Music.” In recent years, Anne also started writing and directing one-act plays with the Aery Theater Company. With Aery, Anne has won several awards for best director, best actor and best script.
Anne has enjoyed an ongoing, happy career as a theater artist. She started with the collaborative educational theater company, Good Clean Fun. With GCF from 1986 to 2004 she collaboratively wrote, directed and performed in dozens of one-act pieces about social issues facing students from 4 th grade through college, designed to prompt discussion. Anne also helped facilitate the 40-minute post-performance discussions.
Outside GCF, she has appeared in many productions in and around the NYC area’s Equity theaters in wonderful roles including Hippolyta/ Titania in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, Jessie Cates in “’Night Mother”, and Charlotte in “A Little Night Music.” In recent years, Anne also started writing and directing one-act plays with the Aery Theater Company. With Aery, Anne has won several awards for best director, best actor and best script.
EMRE OZPIRINCCI Honorary Writer
Born in Turkey in 1979, Emre Ozpirincci is a Turkish-American screenwriter living in New York. He attended Emerson College, Boston where he studied Screenwriting & Acting, and upon his graduation in 2000, he moved to Los Angeles and worked at Paramount Studios with Lynda Obst, the renowned producer of successful films such as Sleepless in Seattle, Contact, Fisher King and Interstellar. In 2004 he moved to New York to study improv comedy and sketch writing at Upright Citizens Brigade and continues his career there to date.
His short film Close-up of a Human became a finalist in the 2006 Film Your Issue competition and he won the Best Original Screenplay award in the 2010 Los Angeles Comedy Festival with his feature-length screenplay How to Write a Romantic Comedy. His drama, Botanically Handicapped People, became a semifinalist in 2013 Austin Film Festival.
In 2011, he appeared in the TARTE's production of Broadway play To Love, as well as New Yorkers, a short play that ran in the TARTE's New York One Act Play Festival. In 2012, the one-act play Emre penned, titled The Introduction, was selected to be a part of TARTE's New York One Act Play Festival, in which he also performed. For TARTE's New York One Act Play Festival of 2013, he wrote Of Dogs and Squirrels, which also was his directorial debut. His recent writing work is the Netflix original " The Protector".
Emre is currently represented and managed by Elecciri Birnbaum Entertainment in Los Angeles.
Born in Turkey in 1979, Emre Ozpirincci is a Turkish-American screenwriter living in New York. He attended Emerson College, Boston where he studied Screenwriting & Acting, and upon his graduation in 2000, he moved to Los Angeles and worked at Paramount Studios with Lynda Obst, the renowned producer of successful films such as Sleepless in Seattle, Contact, Fisher King and Interstellar. In 2004 he moved to New York to study improv comedy and sketch writing at Upright Citizens Brigade and continues his career there to date.
His short film Close-up of a Human became a finalist in the 2006 Film Your Issue competition and he won the Best Original Screenplay award in the 2010 Los Angeles Comedy Festival with his feature-length screenplay How to Write a Romantic Comedy. His drama, Botanically Handicapped People, became a semifinalist in 2013 Austin Film Festival.
In 2011, he appeared in the TARTE's production of Broadway play To Love, as well as New Yorkers, a short play that ran in the TARTE's New York One Act Play Festival. In 2012, the one-act play Emre penned, titled The Introduction, was selected to be a part of TARTE's New York One Act Play Festival, in which he also performed. For TARTE's New York One Act Play Festival of 2013, he wrote Of Dogs and Squirrels, which also was his directorial debut. His recent writing work is the Netflix original " The Protector".
Emre is currently represented and managed by Elecciri Birnbaum Entertainment in Los Angeles.
CIHAN YILDIZ Resident Performer
Cihan Yildiz is New York based Turkish-American actor who has appeared in
stage productions and short films both in Turkey and The United States.
He has completed his acting training at The New York Acting School for Film and Television.
He starred in his first professional leading role in a Turkish TV film called “Cember: Sirlar Apartmani” (2021) which was broadcasted on Kanal D, a major television network in Turkey. He also recently appeared in an off-Broadway play called “Damat Adaylari” that toured in tri-state North America.
He hopes to grow his acting career through a variety of professional enrichment courses, and his ventures in television dramas, films, modeling projects and other opportunities.
He enjoys horseback riding, archery, martial arts, and playing a Turkish cultural instrument called “Saz”.
Cihan Yildiz is New York based Turkish-American actor who has appeared in
stage productions and short films both in Turkey and The United States.
He has completed his acting training at The New York Acting School for Film and Television.
He starred in his first professional leading role in a Turkish TV film called “Cember: Sirlar Apartmani” (2021) which was broadcasted on Kanal D, a major television network in Turkey. He also recently appeared in an off-Broadway play called “Damat Adaylari” that toured in tri-state North America.
He hopes to grow his acting career through a variety of professional enrichment courses, and his ventures in television dramas, films, modeling projects and other opportunities.
He enjoys horseback riding, archery, martial arts, and playing a Turkish cultural instrument called “Saz”.
CAN YASAR Resident Performer
Can Yasar is a New York based Turkish actor, writer, teacher, and singer/songwriter. He came to the United States six years ago to study musical theater at Marymount Manhattan College. After graduation, Yasar moved to South Carolina to pursue his MFA in acting. At UofSC, he worked with Robyn Hunt, Steven Pearson, Stan Brown, and a company of professional actors with whom he created devised works and pieces. Yasar taught beginner acting classes at the undergraduate level for two years as a part of the theatre faculty at UofSC. In grad school, Yasar began his foray into playwriting with his thesis one person show, "A Hundred Dollar Bill." After receiving his MFA, he returned to New York and performed "A Hundred Dollar Bill" at the United Solo Show Festival at Theater Row. The show was the recipient of the “Best Autobiographical Show” award at the United Solo's annual gala. That same year, he wrote "Smoke Point", a shorter one person show, which was performed at Interrobang!? New Works Festival at The Brick Theater. After his successful performances at both Theatre Row and the Brick Theater, Yasar performed an extended draft of "A Hundred Dollar Bill" as a part of the New Works Series at TADA Theatre. Yasar's newest draft was a combination of both of his previous works, with a fresh perspective. Last month, Yasar debuted some of his original music at Don’t Tell Mama cabaret club, as directed by Lennie Watts. Yasar recently extended this performance into a musical, "Master of Time" which included six original songs written and composed by Yasar. "Master of Time" was performed at the New York Theatre Festival. After a successful run at the NYTF, Yasar is currently working on his new, untitled musical that he will be performing later this summer at the Tank Theater.
DENISE TURKAN Resident Performer
Denise is a New York base Turkish/American actress, performer and Trans activist. 8 years ago she moved from Istanbul to New York for continue to focus on her acting training. Recently She finished her first Hollywood movie "Death and Bowling " as a one of Lead character. Her other big production was an Off Broadway show "The Skin Of Our Teeth " at Theater For A New Audience. Some other NYC Theater Credits ; Pentecost , The Vagina Monologues, Art of Hijab .TV & Movie credits Melissa , Legacy , Ear, Others ,Orange Is The New Black, Law and Order, Olacak o Kadar .Please visit her websitewww.deniseturkan.com for her upcoming projects. She recently appeared in the new play " 10 minutes" by Apo Kaya at the In Scena Theater Festival and she will be seen in a new play " I Migration".
Denise is a New York base Turkish/American actress, performer and Trans activist. 8 years ago she moved from Istanbul to New York for continue to focus on her acting training. Recently She finished her first Hollywood movie "Death and Bowling " as a one of Lead character. Her other big production was an Off Broadway show "The Skin Of Our Teeth " at Theater For A New Audience. Some other NYC Theater Credits ; Pentecost , The Vagina Monologues, Art of Hijab .TV & Movie credits Melissa , Legacy , Ear, Others ,Orange Is The New Black, Law and Order, Olacak o Kadar .Please visit her websitewww.deniseturkan.com for her upcoming projects. She recently appeared in the new play " 10 minutes" by Apo Kaya at the In Scena Theater Festival and she will be seen in a new play " I Migration".
BARLAS KARTAL
Barlas Kartal was born and raised in Turkey. He studied theater at Izmit Art Center for two years and he worked as a theater instructor there for 2 years. He graduated from Beykent University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Acting and he completed his master's degree in Performing Arts at Istanbul Aydin University.
He took part in a leading role in a total of 14 plays, including modern and classics. He appeared in two feature films and two short films all in Turkey.
His film he starred in was selected as one of the top 3 actors at the Athens international monthly film festival in 2023.
He came to New York in 2024 to continue his acting career in the United States. He is looking forward to work with TARTE.
Barlas Kartal was born and raised in Turkey. He studied theater at Izmit Art Center for two years and he worked as a theater instructor there for 2 years. He graduated from Beykent University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Acting and he completed his master's degree in Performing Arts at Istanbul Aydin University.
He took part in a leading role in a total of 14 plays, including modern and classics. He appeared in two feature films and two short films all in Turkey.
His film he starred in was selected as one of the top 3 actors at the Athens international monthly film festival in 2023.
He came to New York in 2024 to continue his acting career in the United States. He is looking forward to work with TARTE.
ZEYNEP DESEN UYGUR RESIDENT PERFORMER
She was born in Istanbul, Turkey. At an early age she was backstage with her grandfather ,the famous Turkish theatre master Nejat Uygur. She graduated MSM Conservatory and afterwards began her studies Stanislavsky Method school in Turkey. She received first place honors from the Conservatory. She was intrigued by classical ballet in 1991 and trained for seven years in Turkey.
She has also been seen in Tv Shows and independent films in Turkey and New York. She has been worked with many children as a drama teacher in many public and private schools.
In 2003 she moved to New York. She has been cast in multiple projects for TARTE and she is the drama instructor for the Drama Club and Performance Art Lab for children.
Her NY theater credits include The Odd Couple, Comedy Comedy , Don't make me Sick,Play With Me, Cats Musical , Actor School, Run For Your Wife , Master and Margarita , Seagull .
She was born in Istanbul, Turkey. At an early age she was backstage with her grandfather ,the famous Turkish theatre master Nejat Uygur. She graduated MSM Conservatory and afterwards began her studies Stanislavsky Method school in Turkey. She received first place honors from the Conservatory. She was intrigued by classical ballet in 1991 and trained for seven years in Turkey.
She has also been seen in Tv Shows and independent films in Turkey and New York. She has been worked with many children as a drama teacher in many public and private schools.
In 2003 she moved to New York. She has been cast in multiple projects for TARTE and she is the drama instructor for the Drama Club and Performance Art Lab for children.
Her NY theater credits include The Odd Couple, Comedy Comedy , Don't make me Sick,Play With Me, Cats Musical , Actor School, Run For Your Wife , Master and Margarita , Seagull .
ENGIN ALTINTAS Lighting Director
He was born in Samsun, Turkey. He graduated from Anadolu University Education Faculty Business Administration Department. He started his professional career with Orion Lighting Equipments in 1997. He started working as a gaffer in 2002. He has been working as a gaffer/ lighting director in motion pictures, commercial, TV series and theater productions in Turkey and all over the world. His credits include Sahsiyet (Emmy Award), Noah Land, Hersey Seninle Guzel, Anons, Trust, Deniz ve Gunes. For more of his credits please go to:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2087069/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
He was born in Samsun, Turkey. He graduated from Anadolu University Education Faculty Business Administration Department. He started his professional career with Orion Lighting Equipments in 1997. He started working as a gaffer in 2002. He has been working as a gaffer/ lighting director in motion pictures, commercial, TV series and theater productions in Turkey and all over the world. His credits include Sahsiyet (Emmy Award), Noah Land, Hersey Seninle Guzel, Anons, Trust, Deniz ve Gunes. For more of his credits please go to:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2087069/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1